A Dalmatian needs no introduction: one glance at that black and white spotted coat and you know exactly what beautiful dog you’re looking at. These dignified dogs were originally bred to be coach dogs, where they reliably trotted alongside a horse-drawn cart before guarding it when the occupants left. Some of their old protective instinct remains and although sometimes Dalmatians can be aloof with strangers, they’re loyal and loving towards their families. Smart, playful pups, Dalmatians love nothing more than adventuring with their humans. Full of seemingly endless energy (they love to run and play), you’ll be tired long before they will!
Dalmatian Facts
Standing up to 60cm tall and weighing up to 32kg, Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs with an endless thirst for adventure. Thanks to their iconic spotted coat, there’s no mistaking a Dalmatian!
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 48-60cm
- Weight: 20-32kg
- Life Span: 11-13 years
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Colour: White and black or white and brown
What Does a Dalmatian Look Like?
Guaranteed you don’t really need to ask what a Dalmatian looks like, they’re one of the most iconic dog breeds. That’s thanks to their eye-catching spots - commonly black, but they can be brown (liver) - against a beautiful white coat. Did you know Dalmatian puppies are born without spots? They’re pure white until their spots come in!
Underneath their short, smooth coat is a graceful and elegant dog that’s also muscular and somewhat hound-like: long and lean. Check out their back legs - these powerful legs explain why Dalmatians are born runners.
Adding to their good looks are their floppy ears, sparkling round eyes and cute-as-a-button black or brown nose.
Dalmatian
Dalmatian Temperament: Playful Pup
Dalmations make brilliant family pets. They’re friendly, outgoing and affectionate and they’re not known for being aggressive or biters. Instead, Dalmations will happily spend hours playing with the kids in the garden. We really do mean hours: Dalmatians are energetic dogs who need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Because the downside of a smart dog like a Dalmation is they can easily get themselves into mischief if they get bored!
Dalmatians love being with their families - they crave human companionship so chucking them into the garden to play by themselves isn’t an option. Instead, prepare to lace up your trainers and hit the tramping and running tracks together. A Dalmation is always up for an outdoor adventure. They do best in homes with large, fenced gardens or a nearby dog park.
Playful Dalmatians also love any other creature they meet, human and animal alike (this includes cats). It’s good to understand though that Dalmations were bred to guard and protect animals (horses). This means they can naturally be a little wary of strangers so early socialisation in puppyhood is essential for Dalmatians. This allows them to get used to new people, places and experiences.
Keeping Dalmatians Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
A Dalmatian can live to around 13 years old and isn't prone to many health issues. Preventative care is the key to a long, healthy life: regular vet check-ups, daily toothbrushing and a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Deafness
Dalmatians suffer from deafness - it’s a trait of this breed. A Dalmatian that’s deaf in 1 ear can normally lead a pretty normal life. A Dalmatian that’s deaf in both ears can’t as easily, because they can’t hear any danger, for example. About 18% of Dalmatian puppies lose their hearing within the first few weeks of life. Sadly there’s no cure or treatment but it’s thought that deafness is inherited. Responsible breeders will have their parent dogs and puppies tested to ensure that they can all hear.
Bladder and Kidney Stones
A genetic quirk of Dalmatians means that they have higher uric acid levels which can lead to stones in their bladder and kidneys. These stones make it difficult for a Dalmation to wee (they might strain without success) or you might spot blood in their wee. If your Dalmatian has trouble going to the toilet, take them to the vet who can check for stones. They can be treated with medication, dietary changes and surgery.
Allergies
Dalmatians can experience atopy: this is a sensitivity to allergens in their environment, like pollen, dust mites and mould (a bit like allergies, including hayfever, in humans). Unlike humans who might find allergies make them sneeze or give them a runny nose, in Dalmatians allergies make their skin itchy. Atopy usually starts between the ages of 1 and 3 and can get progressively worse every year. Signs include licking their paws, rubbing their face and frequent ear infections. There’s a wide range of treatment options including medication and medicated shampoo.
Caring for Your Dalmatian Dog
Minimal grooming needs (another great thing about that beautiful coat!) means more time spent being active with you. Another thing your Dalmatian needs a lot of? Consistent training to help them become a well-mannered pup.
Grooming
A Dalmatian doesn't need much to keep looking their best. A weekly brush (or use a deshedding tool) to get rid of any dead hair is all they need to keep their coat shiny and healthy. During your weekly grooming sessions is a good time to check a Dalmatian’s ears. Because they’re floppy, they can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Have a quick check for signs of infection (redness, weeping or regular scratching of their ears). Gently clean their ears to stop dirt and debris building up.
Baths can be done when needed, like when they’re particularly smelly or have played in something disgusting. Aim to clip or trim a Dalmations nails at least monthly. You’ll know when it’s time because you’ll hear them click-clacking on hard surfaces.
The final thing is to brush your pup’s teeth daily. Starting from when they’re a puppy, so they learn to accept a toothbrush, is a good idea.
Nutrition
Dalmatians aren't picky eaters so will tuck into their food with little fuss. Dalmatians do well on quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage: puppy, adult or senior. Follow the feeding instructions carefully to ensure your Dalmation is getting all the nutrients they need to fuel their active lifestyle.
For a balanced, large breed diet, try Royal Canin Maxi Adult dry dog food or you can feed a Dalmatian breed-specific food such as Royal Canin Dalmatian Adult Dry Dog Food dry dog food. To add variety to their meals, combine the Royal Canin Maxi Wet Food.
Keep an eye on treats too. A great training tool, treat calories still count towards their daily calories so ensure you factor those into their daily diet.
Exercise
Dalmatians have some of the highest energy levels of all dog breeds. They need around 2 hours a day of exercise to stay healthy and happy (and importantly: not bored and destructive!). This can be broken down into 3 or 4 30-minute sessions a day. Keep your Dalmatian busy by mixing up your activities: from daily neighbourhood walks to chasing a ball in the garden, running alongside you as you bike or jog, or tramping through the bush. Dalmatians adore playing and can spend hours playing games, including hide and seek or with interactive toys.
Like humans, it’s important to work your Dalmatian up to your desired activity level. All-day hikes or 10km runs might need some training! Oh and a Dalmations bones and joints aren’t fully mature until they’re 2 years old. Avoid strenuously exercising your Dalmatian before this age to avoid hurting them during their important growth period.
Training Your Dalmatian
Outgoing pups, Dalmatians are smart and eager to learn which means training is fairly straightforward. However, they need consistent obedience training from when they’re a puppy to help them overcome their natural instincts to guard and protect. Dalmatian parents need to have plenty of time, energy and patience to effectively train their Dalmatian.
Puppy school is a good way for Dalmatians to be exposed to new experiences, environments, people and pups. This will help them overcome their natural tendencies and instead be more willing and accepting of strangers and new situations.
Dalmations are sensitive dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement and a calm, firm but loving manner.